This is going to be a crazed rant for the record books.
One of the biggest cons ever perpetrated in shopping, this store tricks me every time. I see a sale sign out front and I think "maybe I'll just take a look around, pick up a cool top or some tights." Then I'm just disgusted the whole time at the idea that people will pay obscene money for goods made in the same Asian countries as any other mall store but at twice the cost, just to look like they bought the "bohemian" stuff at Amvets and Salvo. They do always have a few cute things, I won't lie, but as far as their general fashion...I mean their most recent style trend was bringing back grunge looks. Really? I'm not even 30 yet and you're rehashing 90's fashion? I hope Kurt Cobain karma b*tchslaps these people.
Seriously, if you want to look like you bought the most random, poorly sewn crap at the thrift store JUST GO TO THE THRIFT STORE. You'll be a) not supporting industry in countries with no protections for their workers, b) getting a more unique look than the hipster clone "I'm so different I'm the same" thing I see everywhere now c) supporting charities that do awesome things for the community, like housing displaced folks, job training, etc. and d) not supporting the out of control consumer culture that buys whatever is trendy, then tosses it in the garbage a year later. Also, if you want vintage look housewares go to one of the DOZENS of locally owned antique stores around Buffalo and support our small businesses. Retro items like kitschy clocks, dishes, etc cost very little even at these places, are typically more durable than their modern equivalents, and follow the principal of "re-use" versus buying mass produced stuff you'll be bored of when it's not "ironic" anymore. I have originals of 75% of their faux 60's and 70's stuff and I paid a fraction of the cost at antique malls/stores, thrift stores and yard sales.
Now, I'm not trying to go all psycho high-horse anti-corporate store - I can understand you can't find some things used and that some people just don't want the thrift store look, but if you DO want that look and you CAN find it used why buy it from a place like this? Are you really too good for used clothes? Dozens of people handled your "new" clothes while they were being sewn, packaged, transported, unpacked, hung up and often repeatedly handled/tried on at the store. Then you wear it 10 times and it comes apart in the wash anyway. It's just so pointless and lame when you can do all the good things mentioned above for way less money.
End rant. read more